Preface.

Time after time, the Editor of the Timaru Herald has grossly maligned and basely pandered the High School, and parties connected with its staff and management. He has done so by insinuations and general expressions of a kind which appear very plausible, and under pretence of a deep interest in the welfare of the School, and a desire that it should succeed. He has been ably supported by a small clique, whom he speaks of as the public of Timaru, who, having personal grudges against individuals not beloved of the Editor, have been doing their utmost to ruin the School. When, some two or three months ago, a very bitter leader upon the School, and myself in connection therewith, appeared, I replied in a letter which was refused admission on the ground that it was a reply to what had appeared in another journal. This was simply not true, as it was a reply to his leader. I then sent an advertisement in reference to the matter, but this was also refused admission. This is what the Herald deems fair play! On Wednesday last, another leader appeared, casting most unfounded reflections on the School, and containing most exaggerated statements in relation to the state of matters contacted with it. The train on Monday was said to be "crowded" with youths and maidens going away to Akaroa and Christchurch High Schools, owing to the utter disrepute into which Timaru High School had fallen. Some were even going as far away as Dunedin. These statements had less foundation a great deal than our M.H.R.'s now famous representation of the necessity for the "Hinemoa" being sent to take away the starving workpeople of Timaru. The Railway might have contracted to carry away "the crowd" for a five pound note, and done well out of its contract. A cheap advertisement was given to Akaroa High School, which it will be very ungrateful of the Board of that School if it does not acknowledge by a share of its patronage. In view of all this opposition, I have felt constrained to take this step of laying before the residents of South Canterbury a Chapter in the History of the High School, which will explain to a large extent persistent attacks which have all along been made by the Herald and certain others upon that Institution, and myself in connection therewith. The School was born and cradled amid a storm of virulent opposition, and the would-be Herods of its infancy have pursued it with relentless enmity up to the present time. Some knowledge of the past history of the Institution is necessary to understand the present position of parties. In order, therefore, to enlighten the public, and as a matter of simple justice to others as well as myself, I have been led to issue the following pamphlet. Few are aware of the whole facts herein detailed, and many have forgotten them. Had there been anything like fairplay, or a desire to do justice manifested by opponents, I would not have taken this step, but with the facts now before them, I confidently appeal to the public for their decision between us.